Who is this retreat for?

The Winter Warmth Art Retreat is a space for creatives and artists of all kinds and skill levels who are seeking to explore their creative practice in a self-care forward environment amongst loving community. This space is open to all genders and ages 18+. We welcome those who are both experienced and new to ritual, art collaboration, and spiritual wellness. Come as you are. <3

 

I have allergies or food restrictions – will that be an issue?

No issue whatsoever. Nine Mountain and our onsite chefs are ready to create vibrant meals which cater to all pallets and diets. There will be alternative meals made if the main meal being served contains allergens to anyone in the group. You will have the chance to share your allergies and food restrictions with Esja, Chantelle, and both Chefs about a month before retreat via email. If anything in your usual meal plan changes you can always mention it to the chefs upon arrival. We got you!
 

What is included with the retreat?

Your ticket includes lodging, all meals and snacks, and all workshops and group practices as well as access to the hot tub and to the sauna at Earthdance, which will be lit and available once per day. 

 

What is not included with the retreat?

Any costs associated with flights or other transportation to and from the retreat center are not included.

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Can 2 people share a private room?

Absolutely! One of you will register at the private room rate. Once booked, you now have booked the private room to use as you please. The second individual sharing the private room will register at the standard twin bed rate. Please have one person in your party email winterwarmthretreat@gmail.com to let us know.

 

Can 3+ people share a private room?

No. Our cap for sharing a private room is 2 individuals. Please email winterwarmthretreat@gmail.com to let us know if there is anyone attending the retreat that you would like to share a dorm room with. We will happily bunk you together. Each dorm room has a max capacity of 10 - 12 persons but we are choosing to keep the rooms spacious with only 2 - 5 participants together per room.

 

What is your drug and alcohol policy?

As artists, we all like to have fun, get funky, and get creative. For the group's comfort and safety we ask that drugs and alcohol be limited to a responsible and considerate amount. We will never judge you for your drugs of choice but we will ask that this space in particular be limited to micro to mid sized psychedelic drug dosage and fun doses of alcohol. For the group's comfort and safety we ask that any alcohol or substance use be restricted to a responsible and considerate amount which takes into consideration the effects that an altered consciousness can have on the physical, social and energetic space. In general, we ask that participants limit any substance use to stay within their personal day-to-day baseline for the majority of the event. That being said, if you do decide to ingest any non-prescription drugs that might take you above your baseline, we ask that you still remain responsible and considerate in your dosage and to let Esja and Chan know so that we can be aware and available in case you need any support. This is one of many topics we'll cover in the opening circle as well to gauge where everyone is at, and it is possible that some alterations to the above policy could be made in accordance with everyone's comfort level.

 

What is your photo policy?

We welcome participants to take photos during their stay and we will be taking photos ourselves as well! In 2023 we had a photographer present whos focus for the week was photography. This is why you will see so many professional type photos on our website (Thanks, Christen!). It is up to chance if we have a photographer present wihtin the group again.

 

There will also be an opportunity during the opening circle to share your wishes regarding photos being taken or used, and we trust that everybody will respect each others’ requests and boundaries in this regard.

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In the follow up email -- sent within a week post retreat -- you will have the chance to share with the retreat leaders and group in general what your boundaries are about sharing photos on social media and for professional purposes.

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A google drive will be made for everyone to upload photos too so we all have equal share and access to photos.

 

What is your phone policy?

We envision the Winter Warmth Retreat to be a space where you can unplug and fully engage with the present moment. This is why we ask that phone usage be limited exclusively to your bedroom unless you are ACTIVELY using your phone for art creation in other spaces around the home or land. Examples would include using your phone for a reference photo, having headphones on while engage with your art, and taking pictures of your art or of others (with consent). Examples of phone use that we ask be limited to your room include texting, scrolling on social media, phone calls, and playing music out loud in a way that may affect others art process. Thank you for understanding and we are so excited to be present with you!

 

Are there any "rules" or guidelines within the retreat space?

We will go over consent, needs, and anything relevant during opening circle of retreat.

 

What if I need space or private time during the retreat?

We not only welcome but ENCOURAGE you to take alone time and space during retreat as needed. You can skip any activity or meal that suits you and follow your personal needs and desires.

 

What if I need emotional support during retreat?

We are here for you. You can always come chat with Esja or Chan about anything that is arising during retreat you need help working through. We anticipate that others within the space will be available to at times. We'll talk even more about this during opening circle of retreat.

 

What if it snows? Will it affect the drive or our retreat?

We plan to hold the retreat regardless of the weather! And while we do live in a cold and snowy area, we have never had to cancel a retreat due to weather. Given the time of year, I do recommend that you come prepared for some snow and it would be a good idea to have snow tires on your vehicle if possible. But our driveways and parking lot will be plowed and sanded for your arrival.

 

What is your policy on nudity?

Nine Mountain in general is not specifially a nudist space, but we are nudity-friendly! The hot tub and sauna in particular are clothing optional, and we in general do not police peoples’ choice of clothing or lack-there-of. We do ask that clothing be worn at all times when in the kitchen.

 

Where is the sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge located? When will we do these things?

Our hot tub is right on the back deck and can be accessed at any time! The sauna and cold plunge is located over at Earthdance, which is just a short walk across the apple orchard. The sauna will be lit once a day, exact timing subject to shift depending on group needs and Earthdances schedule.

 

What do I pack?

We will be sending out a welcome email about a month before retreat. This email will remind you of the packing list and add any other special items we may ask you bring. Below is a bare minimum packing list, so you can mentally prepare.

• Indoor comfy and cozy clothes for 5 days. The house will be warm and cozy but there can be a draft at times, so it’s good to have warm indoor clothes - PJs, slippers etc. Whatever you need to be comfy.

• The hot tub and sauna are clothing optional. If you feel you will want a bathing suit, we encourage you to bring it along.

• Any costume or props you may want to wear or have around. Who knows what fun will be born!

• Outdoor warm and cozy clothes such as gloves, hat, snow boots, thermals, snow suit

• Personal art + music supplies

• Anything to share with group such as (but not limited to!) : group art supplies, flowers, a fun game, extra snow gear

• No need to pack food outside of special snacks for yourself or treats you’d like to share with the group.

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Can I come just for the weekend?

No, this is a closed container retreat where all participants must be present to open, participate in each day, and close the space. 

 

Are there discounts or work exchange opportunities available?

At this time we do not have any work exchange opportunities available. We currently offer 2 50% BIPOC spots please email winterwarmthretreat@gmail.com to inquire.

 

What is your refund policy?

All payments are nonrefundable.